Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 2h 22m
1. Limits and Continuity
Introduction to Limits
Problem 2.5.45
Textbook Question
Determine limx→∞f(x) and limx→−∞f(x) for the following functions. Then give the horizontal asymptotes of f (if any).

1
Identify the dominant terms in the numerator and the denominator as x approaches infinity and negative infinity. For f(x) = \frac{1}{2x^4 - \sqrt{4x^8 - 9x^4}}, the dominant term in the denominator is \sqrt{4x^8} = 2x^4 when x is large.
Simplify the expression by factoring out the dominant term from the square root in the denominator: \sqrt{4x^8 - 9x^4} = x^4\sqrt{4 - \frac{9}{x^4}}.
Rewrite the function f(x) in terms of the dominant term: f(x) = \frac{1}{2x^4 - x^4\sqrt{4 - \frac{9}{x^4}}} = \frac{1}{x^4(2 - \sqrt{4 - \frac{9}{x^4}})}.
Evaluate the limit as x approaches infinity: lim_{x \to \infty} f(x) = lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{1}{x^4(2 - \sqrt{4 - \frac{9}{x^4}})}. As x becomes very large, \frac{9}{x^4} approaches 0, so \sqrt{4 - \frac{9}{x^4}} approaches 2, making the denominator approach x^4(2 - 2) = 0. Therefore, the limit is undefined, indicating no horizontal asymptote at infinity.
Evaluate the limit as x approaches negative infinity: lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x) = lim_{x \to -\infty} \frac{1}{x^4(2 - \sqrt{4 - \frac{9}{x^4}})}. The analysis is similar to the positive infinity case, and the limit is also undefined, indicating no horizontal asymptote at negative infinity.

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
6mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Watch next
Master Finding Limits Numerically and Graphically with a bite sized video explanation from Callie
Start learning